Travel: Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is a rare European gem. Aptly named “The Queen of the Danube” and “Paris of the East” she reminds me most of Praha (Prague). The marriage of Buda’s cobblestone streets, hills and winding roads with Pest’s bustling marketplaces is a perfect pairing.

Buda + Pest = a Beautiful Marriage of Two Cities

Hungarian Forint – some, not all businesses accept €uro

Inexpensive compared to many European holiday destinations, there is plenty to see and do in two or three days’ time. Try exploring Buda and Pest on two separate walking tours by day.

walking tour map of Buda…

Full Disclosure: Although we were not able to bring our kids with us on this trip, I do highly recommend Budapest as a destination for those of you with kiddos. The places we stayed and all the activities we enjoyed (the pub excepted – they get a little rowdy!) are family-friendly. We saw lots of kids everywhere we were, and the locals are very sweet and kid-oriented. In particular, I recommend a trip to the Central Market Hall (Nagy Vasarcsarnok), where you’ll find something fun for each member of the family. 🙂

on your tour of Buda, you’ll find this gorgeous waterfall and bridge

Grab a short nap at the hotel, then head out to Pest’s city center for a perfect evening. Begin with a river cruise by night to view the city’s gorgeous architecture while learning about Budapest’s unique history.

night cruises on the River Danube are spectacular!

Don’t miss noshing on authentic Hungarian fare at one of the many restaurants in the city centre. If you’re up to it, maybe finish the evening at a local bar or night club? Even the most robust traveller will find there is far too much to see and do in lively, lovely Budapest!

Come on in for a night cap ~ Hungarian people love being friendly and sociable. 🙂

Other excursions and things to do include:

enjoy a relaxing spa day at one of the many Hungarian bath houses

visit the Central Market Hall (Nagy Vasarcsarnok) to buy anything from produce and authentic foods to Hungarian souvenirs and clothing

guided tours of the newly-renovated Parliament building

there’s nothing like a relaxing soak in a Hungarian therapeutic bath

Central Market Hall (Nagy Vasarcsarnok)

produce stand ~ Central Market Hall (Nagy Vasarcsarnok)

Hungarian peppers and paprika

newly renovated Parliament building

beautiful statues and architecture adorn Budapest

History and Fun Facts – Budapest

Did you know there are eight bridges linking the two former cities of Buda + Pest (get it? BudaPest?) 😉 Each bridge has a unique story and history; all were built during post-World War II reconstruction efforts. The bridges of Budapest include: Megyeri Bridge, Arpad Bridge, Margaret Bridge, Chain Bridge (my fave), Elizabeth Bridge, Liberty Bridge, Petofi Bridge and Lagymanyosi Bridge.

The Buda side of the River Danube is made up of winding roads, hills and beautiful forests, while Pest rests on flat terrain and is a busy mecca of businesses.

Here is a description of the origin of Budapest from Bridges of Budapest, a fantastic website detailing the history of Budapest and its bridges which cross the Danube River.

“Budapest is the capital city of Hungary, made up of Buda and Pest, with the Danube River flowing past them, along a stretch of 28 kilometers. The two previously independent cities together with Óbuda were united in 1873, and became a single city occupying both banks of the River Danube. The famous public buildings, the green hills of Buda, the wide avenues and shopping centers of Pest, the connecting bridges over the river really make Budapest one of the most enjoyable cities in Europe.”

Several flights come to Budapest daily. The airport code is BUD. There are also trains connecting Budapest to most major European cities. Click here for more information. Whenever travelling within Europe, I prefer to walk in to a train station to purchase tickets. The customer service is good, and the agents are extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

The Budapest City Card is an excellent value if you plan to use public transport and see the sights

Budapest’s underground/Metro system is efficient and punctual

new tram car

“classic” tram car – this one reminds me of San Francisco 😉

If you wish to see a good survey of both sides of Budapest, sign up for a Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour. There are a few companies from which to choose. Typically you activate your ticket once you board the bus, and it’s good for 24 hours.

As always, I began my search for accommodations on Lonely Planet and Trip Advisor. I stayed in a small guesthouse called City Boulevard Penzio and Apartments, which was absolutely fantastic. Eva is a helpful, wonderful hostess. She has a strong knowledge of the city, and she was in the communal kitchen cooking eggs and bacon every morning for guests. 🙂 City Boulevard Guesthouse (also known as City Boulevard Penzion and Apartments) is close to both the tram and the underground.

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About Amy of Beloved Atmosphere

Amy is a food-loving world traveler and recipe developer who loves new experiences. She also happens to be a DIY geek, educator and a damn good cook. Amy will help you plan Travel, Education, Cooking, DIY projects and more. Come join the fun!

Comments

Budapest is so on my list! Thanks for all the great suggestions. It looks absolutely gorgeous. I do have to say though, that Prague still comes first. I have a major philosophical type crush on Vaclav Havel and that city tops my list!

Hey Brittany ~ I think I just heard you say you’re planning a trip to Prague and Budapest. When will you be coming to Europe for a meetup, Travel Buddy? BTW, I think you’ll have to add Vienna to this trip as well. I mean, they’re all so close – Why not? 😉

Hey Heather!:) Good eye! No our kids just began school on 17 Sept, so we felt it best to take them back another time. I most certainly recommend Budapest,HU as a kid-friendly and family-friendly city. There is TONS to do and the locals are kid-loving, kind people. Thanks for askin. 🙂